Russell Martin | This is a test that should excite us

Russell Martin views Swansea City’s Carabao Cup clash with Brighton as a great opportunity for his side to test themselves against Premier League opposition.

The Swans come up against the Seagulls – and former boss Graham Potter – at the Amex Stadium in the third-round of the competition tonight (7.30pm).

Martin’s side make the trip to the south coast on the back of a dramatic Championship draw against Luton, where the Swans rallied from 3-0 down to secure a share of the points.

While looking to build on the momentum of that comeback, there is no doubting the step up in quality of opposition, with Brighton currently sat fourth in the Premier League table.

But Martin feels it is a contest his squad should relish.

“It’s a great test for the guys, it’s a great place to play. It will be a tough game, but I think it will be a good game to watch,” said the head coach.

“There will be two teams trying to play in a similar manner, not exactly the same, but it is a real test and it is a chance for some of our guys to get on the pitch and show what they can do against top class opposition.

“We have had two excellent results in the cup, the challenge here is to try and do it facing a team from a higher level.

“It’s a game to look forward to, but we will only enjoy it if we go out and put in a good performance.”

Martin also spoke highly of the job Potter has done since leaving SA1 to join Brighton in 2019.

The former Swansea boss was among those Martin spoke to before making his own move to the club, and believes the strong start the hosts are enjoying to the new campaign underlines the important of identity and a patience in developing it.

“I love the way they play and I think he has done a brilliant job. What he has shown is the beauty of patience and time,” added Martin.

“Obviously, I am from Brighton and have lived there the last few years. I know in the first year under Graham it was different to what they had been doing.

“It was a real contrast and it took time; there were some people who were impatient, but there were others who knew what was coming.

“Now they are seeing the fruits of that patience because he is a fantastic manager and the way they have started the season has been brilliant.

“Now, if you speak to the people who were getting a little bit frustrated at the very start of the process, they love it and they are big Graham Potter fans and love watching their team.

“They are enjoying it, and that’s the beauty of time and patience and the trust the club have put in him.

“Hopefully, we get the same here because it gives every young British manager a hope that you can do things a certain way and the way he acts and conducts himself shows real class.

“I spoke to people who worked with him here and they said he was fantastic. I look forward to a chat with him after the game.”